Serendipity is the phenomenon where we find a wonderful discovery or an agreeable item (not sought for) when searching for another one.
Well, Bambi took a little break and searched for any new musical piece by “Mazeej” of Mr. Lucas Sakr (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNFytpbt4_lHBYKxJ1bQAXg/featured). This is how she came across another type of blend : ), not musical. What a lovely and very brief United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) video (subtitled in English) related to the agro-food sector. We learn from the YouTube comment below this video that Mazeej is “funded by Italy and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministry of Industry in Lebanon and in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture“.
Bambi knows nothing about this initiative. All what she knows is that the video moved her heart bringing back childhood memories of MANY “manakish” [plurar of man’ousheh] eaten on the way to school with her friend Nayla! Bambi used to purchase three of those delicious Lebanese manakish (yes, she was a pig in the body of a deer!). She used to eat two of them while walking… and wisely keep the third one for the recess :).
From the ANSAmed article cited above, we learn the following: “According to Arab Barometer, some 48% of Lebanese interviewed said that they intended to leave the country, where – according to the UN – over half the population is under the poverty line“.
Since there are no words that can be said about this dramatic situation, Bambi will let music say its final word in this brief post. With much love, she would like to dedicate Mr. Enrico Macias’ famous song “J’ai quitté mon pays” [I left my country], subtitled in English, to all those who have left the Land of Cedars and to those who dream to do so… without being able to even realize their dream of a dignified life abroad.
The sunshine of love and peace is the best friend of the moon of spirituality and goodness!
Ramadan has been tough in Lebanon this year. However, Eid is here, even if it does not feel like a “eid” or feast. It is still a blessed and hopeful Eid.
May Eid el Fitr, which highlights the end of the Ramadan holy month, bring family and friends together. May the Eid bring love and unity among people and nations. May this Eid also rhythm with the generosity of the hearts and peace of the mind for all.
Most importantly, may everyone be safe, sound, and… merry.
To be optimally merry, one needs music. How about “La fête” [The party] by Mr. Michel Fugain and “Yalla Nifrah” [Let’s rejoice] of Mr. Hisham el Hajj? Bambi would like to offer these two songs to all those celebrating el Eid… with much love ❤️!
On this May 1st, the International Workers’ Day, Bambi cannot help but to wonder if, and to what extent, our unions are still relevant?
How could
they still be relevant in our collectively insane times?
To begin with, let’s stop and think of the head of the elite (woke) pyramid in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The latter and his cabinet have sometimes good policies/programs. However, with the truck convoy, Mr. Trudeau failed not only the truckers and farmers, but also all of us. Indeed, he refused to listen to them. He even made fun of them. The icing on the cake was that he declared the unjustified Emergencies Act. In other terms, he did not prevent – or perhaps even endorsed – the arrest and/or de-funding of those peaceful demonstrators by our banks and even by an American company like GoFundMe, just because they drove from all over Canada to demonstrate in our national capital.
Was this
demonstration the most optimal one with its horns sounding and parties on the
streets? Many Ottawa residents Bambi spoke to reported not being bothered at
all; some even supported the movement. They also denounced some restrictive, and
not too efficient, public health measures. Of course, some other residents may
have had migraines. Bambi feels for them. Yet others, including some of Bambi’s
dear friends, acted as counter-protesters.
Related
to Mr. Trudeau’s attitude, Bambi was also disappointed by the New Democratic
Party of Canada (NDP). The latter has betrayed its historic mission, as a
Left-wing party, that cares for and defends the rights of the working class.
This party, at least under the leadership of Mr. Singh (political ally of Mr.
Trudeau) is also into woke elitism. How sad.
Thus, given
all the above and once again, to what extent are our unions at large still relevant?
In other terms, do they still know how to defend the rights of ALL their members,
including the “non-woke” ones? If we take the example of university unions,
many cases of attacks on academic freedom sadly make us question the relevance
of unions. A famous example is Dr. Frances Widdowson’s shocking case, briefly
described in her fundraising campaign (https://fundrazr.com/wokeacademy.info?ref=em_7BCTof_ab_7jjtE7HXL957jjtE7HXL95).
Best of luck to her in “her” battle (“her” means “our battle all of
us”).
Last but not least, a related question, which is valid across cases of attacks on academic freedom, involves the mindset underlying woke ideologies: Why do our unions at large embrace international ideological causes that have nothing to do with the employees’ working conditions (e.g., BLM, etc.)?
To conclude this post, why do our politicians, journalists, and institutions’ administrations and unions only seem to care for the point of view of the radical left-elite that fell into the trap of woke (i.e., sectarian) ideologies? Why are we tolerating discrimination against non-woke individuals instead of accepting that they are simply part of an institution or of society, even if they were truly “a fringe minority” of it, to borrow Mr. Trudeau’s own famous words?
Without being gushy, Bambi cannot help not to wonder:
Is there anything more beautiful in life than love?
Love in all its forms and shapes is the essence of life.
Thank you Ms. Talia Lahoud for sharing your talent on YouTube. Clearly, from their comments, your fans seem to love you. Please count Bambi among them :). Please keep spoiling us with your songs!
Collectively, the moving voices of Lebanese artists remind Bambi that her historically pluralistic birth country, even when destroyed or paralyzed by sectarianism, is MUCH broader AND richer than any ruling mafia (or militia) bankrupting it. It is also hopefully more resistant to any external force, regardless of the source, wanting a piece of it, indifferent to it, or even engaged in sacrificing or selling it.
With such thoughts in mind, in the middle of the critical times Lebanon is going through, Bambi recently discovered the talent of Mr. Marc Hatem. If she may, she would like to share with you some of his performances in English, French, and Arabic.
Thank you Mr. Marc Hatem. Bravo… and please keep singing!
MANY thanks Ora (Itkin) for our inspiring conversation on teaching!
Before sharing the link of our interview with you, Bambi would like to begin with a few examples of student testimonials (https://www.oraitkin.com/home ). Bravo Ora!
“I’ve had the opportunity to take individual piano lessons from Ora, as well as be coached by her in a trio. I had played piano for many years before I ever knew Ora, but I never realized how many ways I could still grow as a piano player until studying under her now as an adult. Ora has pointed out techniques to improve my playing that no one else has in the past. She helps me find music that not only suits my own style but broadens my abilities. Thanks to Ora’s teaching and coaching, I have grown so much as a musician! —Tim Jacobson
Ora’s lessons are always energizing and empowering! She puts her soul into every lesson, choosing pieces that are both accessible and challenging, and taking care that the skills developed in each build intimately on one another. As an adult beginner, it can be hard to let go of inhibitions and self-criticism, but Ora breaks through this with her contagious energy and encouragement. She’s a fantastic teacher! —Ioana Vartolomei Pribiag
I had great interest in the piano when I was a little kid but my family could not afford to buy one. When I came to college, I received a scholarship that covered the costs of my piano lessons. When I started lessons with Ora, I was 19 year olds and had no music background. 9 months later, I was playing Chopin and Schubert for my first piano recital, which was beyond my imagination. Ora taught me to pay attention to not only technical detail but also to the emotion that each piece expresses. What I love the most about her is that she pushed me to play pieces that I thought were impossible. I will forever be grateful to her for having faith in me when no one else did and for teaching me that everything is possible. —Anh Do, PhD student, Duke University (Skype student)“
At the very end of this post, and if you wish, you can find the two older posts of Bambi featuring Ms. Ora Itkin as an interviewer. One of them shows one of Ora’s artistic performance. Of note, Ms. Itkin is not only a highly talented pianist. She is also a generous one with her public. Indeed, Bambi’s mother-in-law became a fan. The latter emailed Professor Itkin and inquired about a piece of Rachmaninov. Despite her busy schedule, very generously and kindly, Ora surprised Bambi’s mother-in-law by mailing her one of her CDs.
To conclude this post, thank you Ora for inspiring Bambi. It is always a pleasure and a source of inspiration to chat with you, whether you are wearing your hat of interviewee or interviewer. Please keep up your great and much needed work!
Que la mémoire du “grand homme” qu’était Monsieur Jean Béliveau soit éternelle….
Obituary of Mr. Jean Béliveau (1935-2022; Trois-Rivières, Québec)
Virtually, and along with your siblings and nephews/nieces in several locations across Québec, New Brunswick, and abroad, Bambi is honoured to have paid tribute to you Jean (Jean-Claude) or Mr. Béliveau.
While doing, she discovered in you a man even more inspiring than she has ever thought. A man described as having a big heart, a sense of responsibility, dignity in facing and embracing adversity, loyalty, creativity/humour, and family. All this in addition to being a man of a few yet loving words to his family, friends, and staff.
Bravo to you Jean (or Jean-Claude) for all your achievements in life, both personally (i.e., your loving family) and professionally (ie., your long-term business success). It seems that you loved your work so much that, even at the end of your life and with much morphine in your blood, you expressed your will to go to your office (your second home!). Your latest brainchild was your company Belitec:
This being said, Bambi would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to your devoted daughter Christine, to her beloved spouse Michel, and moving daughter Félixe for their tributes… and for choice of songs to celebrate your life, Mr. Jean Béliveau. Bambi would like to post these songs, as her own way to honour you (as she did in the older post shown below).
Thanks also to the priest who honoured you (Bambi is sorry as she cannot recall his name). He had beautiful words and a sense of humour. Indeed, he said, and Bambi will allow herself to borrow his own words: “last week we paid tribute to Mr. Guy Lafleur and years earlier to Mr. Jean Béliveau, the two hockey legends. Their T-shirts are hanging up high at the Bell Centre. Maybe we should also fly a T-shirt of Belitec”. What a great idea. Let’s do it, please :)!
Her heart now goes to our entire family, especially to you Christine et al., but also to you Claire, Bernadette, Robert, and to you Louis as well as to all your dear cousins wherever they are (all the Béliveaus, namely Simon, Diane, Richard, and Jimmy)!
May Mr. Jean Béliveau’s memory be eternal. May he be with “his” Liliane (spouse), Marie-Claude (daughter) as well as Maria and Arthur (parents) somewhere in this place called heaven… May his family, friends, employees/former staff (still on earth) find comfort in his love for them (and theirs to him). An inspiring love transcends death. Yes, it does, Bambi is convinced. How could it not to given Ms. Ginette Reno’s most beautiful song L’Essentiel c’est d’être aimé [“What matters is to be loved”]. The wise priest even added: “… and to love too“.
To conclude on a musical note, Bambi will share the three songs that were played at the memorial service. The first one is Ms. Ginette Reno’s song mentioned above (subtitled in English and Spanish). The second famous melody is My way (Bambi chose Mr. Omar Kamel’s version). Last but not least, the third melody is Mr. Nicola Ciconne’s beautiful French song for his late dad (with subtitles in French). For Bambi, it is always moving to hear the beautiful voice of Mr. Ciconne, especially in these sad circumstances. Indeed, she is honoured to have gone to graduate school with an artist of his calibre who is filled with humanity, not just talent. Bravo to the family for having chosen his song to honour its beloved dad and grandfather.
Au revoir, Jean (ou Jean-Claude ou Jack). Que votre âme repose en paix et que votre mémoire d’amour soit à jamais éternelle dans nos coeurs…
Well tonight, while preparing the current brief post, Bambi learned of an English version of this song. It is entitled “Just for tonight”. Although perhaps as old as the original French version, it took the dinosaur, hidden deep inside the deer, almost 38 years to discover it. Thank Goodness it is never too late in life sometimes :).
Anyhow, Bambi does not know what you will think. However, for her, the English version is nice, but the French version remains something else… at least to her own ears :). Enjoy!
Doudou is Bambi’s brother (since she was 9 years old) AND brother-in-law. Well, not too many people have such a blessing in life!
Bambi et al. love you Doudou and wish you all the best ? .
Thank you for being who you are: An inspiring son, grandson, brother, husband, dad, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, dog’s parent/owner, boss, colleague, citizen, man filled with psychological wisdom, a great human being, and… guess what? One day this list will become longer :)!
